By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Raymond Osemene
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has taken a significant step towards strengthening professional education by signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM), paving the way for the University to serve as a Study Centre for the Institute.
The agreement, formalised on, March 5, 2026, was aimed at enhancing professional training, human capital development, and knowledge exchange for both students and staff of the University.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, described the collaboration as one that aligned with FUNAAB’s core mandate of Teaching, Research, and Community Service. He noted that while the University was widely recognised for its agricultural specialisation, it also offered a wide range of allied academic programmes that support the sector and contribute to national development.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, these programmes include Engineering disciplines such as Mechanical, Electrical and Electronics, Mechatronics, and Civil Engineering, as well as courses in Entrepreneurship, Accounting, Business Administration, and Economics, all designed to complement agriculture and prepare students for diverse career opportunities.
Prof. Kehinde also highlighted that FUNAAB pioneered the Department of Agricultural Administration to address the growing need for professionals capable of effectively managing agricultural enterprises and agribusinesses. He stated that the partnership with CIPM would enable students in relevant disciplines to obtain professional certifications alongside their academic degrees, thereby enhancing their employability and career prospects. The collaboration is also expected to provide academic and Non-Teaching staff with additional opportunities for professional development in personnel and human resource management.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed optimism that the agreement would translate into tangible outcomes, assuring the CIPM delegation of the University’s commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the partnership.
Earlier in his remarks, the President of CIPM and Chairman of the Governing Council, Mallam Ahmed Gobir, who was represented by the Institute’s Vice President, Mrs. Chidinma Obiejesi, appreciated the University Management for the warm reception extended to the delegation. He noted that a previous visit to FUNAAB had laid the groundwork for the collaboration.
Describing the partnership as strategic and mutually beneficial, Mallam Gobir emphasised that effective collaborations require deliberate effort and sustained commitment from all parties involved. He further commended the University’s leadership for its proactive approach in preparing students not only for academic excellence but also for professional relevance and workplace leadership.
With the agreement in place, students of the University would now have the opportunity to graduate with both academic qualifications and professional certifications from CIPM.
Other dignitaries present at the event included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Olawale Dairo; Registrar, Dr. Titus Adeniyi; Dean, College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development (COLAMRUD), Prof. Emmanuel Fakoya; Head of Department, Agricultural Administration, Prof. Adefunke Ayinde and Prof. Oluwakemi Fapojuwo, among others.
